Sleeping can be a big challenge after neck surgery, your surgeon will suggest that you avoid putting pressure on your neck, shoulders or back. To heal your body, sleep is one of the main priorities after the operation. But how to sleep after a cervical operation?
How to sleep after neck surgery: Getting up and out of bed
To get a good night's rest after neck surgery, choose a comfortable and safe sleeping position. Your surgeon will also suggest that you use pillows and extra support when you sleep and that you get into bed and get up properly to minimize your pain and discomfort during the recovery period after the operation.
Here are the steps you need to take to get in and out of bed:
Sit on the edge of the bed: When getting into bed, you have to be very careful, because you don't want to risk hurting your neck. To do this, you must sit on the edge of the bed and then place your feet firmly on the floor, keeping your neck and back straight.
Lower yourself to the side, leaning on your elbow: Slowly lean to one side and put your weight on your elbow. Try to keep your weight on your hips and feet so that you are well supported while you sleep.
Roll over onto your back or side : When you roll over onto your back or side, you should carefully lift your feet onto the bed using your elbow for support. When rolling onto your side, you should keep your neck and spine straight and keep in mind that you should not twist these areas.
Roll to the side when getting out of bed: When you need to get out of bed, be sure to put your arms out to the side and roll onto your side so that you're at the edge of the bed. Next, push yourself up using your elbow and put your feet on the floor, slowly rising to sit up. While standing up, keep your neck and spine straight so it doesn't affect you. Try putting more weight on your legs, rather than your hips or back, to get out of bed.
How to choose a good sleeping position?
Here are the steps you need to follow to get a good sleeping position:
You should follow the instructions given by the surgeons, for example if they recommend a collar or splint, make sure you wear them well. Your surgeon may suggest that you wear a collar or splint to make you feel comfortable while sleeping or napping in a wheelchair, especially when the collar or splint is in place.
Try always sleep on your back to protect your neck and spine, as this is the best position to sleep after cervical surgery. Keep your head, neck, and hips aligned when you lie on your back so that your body is well supported while you sleep.
Many people find it more comfortable to bend their legs and place their feet flat on the bed when lying on their back.
Sleep on your side if you have trouble lying on your back; you can also bend your legs when sleeping on your side for more comfort.
We suggest that you do not do not sleep on your stomach, as it can strain your neck.
To support you while you sleep, your surgeon may recommend that you put a pillow under your head, but you need to make sure that the pillow is not too flat or too high and does not drop below your shoulders or form an angle with your shoulders. You need to check that the pillow keeps your neck aligned with your spine, rather than twisting them sideways.
For your comfort, your surgeon will recommend that you use a pillow between or under your legs. If you sleep on your back, using a pillow or a rolled-up towel under your legs can give you more support for your back. If you sleep on your side, you can place a pillow between your legs to support your back and chest.
Be sure to keep your arms under your head and neck, which will allow you to not have a tense neck and shoulders during your sleep. You can place a heavy blanket over your body while you sleep, which will keep your arms from moving during the night.
How to get a good night's sleep?
Take the following steps to get a good night's sleep:
To sleep well, you must have a comfortable and quiet room and make sure it's not too hot or too bright, as a cooler, darker environment is generally better for sleeping.
If you are cold at night or needextra pillows, you must ensure that they are easily accessible. You can place them on the side of your bed or on a chair next to your bed, so you don't have to move too much to reach them.
If you need to go from lying on your back to lying on your side, you need to make sure that you change position by leaning on your elbow. Always try to keep your neck, shoulders and back straight when moving, so you don't strain these areas.
With these simple tips to put in place, you know how to sleep after a cervical operation.
